In this issue:

Message to Members: Advancing Women in Science, Nationally and Internationally

News to Note: Survey on Women in Science, University Culture of Diversity, Global Support for Women Scientists, Global Consensus on Research Integrity, Assessing Impact of Science, Reports from S&T Policy Fellows Orientation, Innovation in Undergrad STEM Education, USA Science & Engineering Festival, Winner of AAAS Education Award, Parents Guide About Kids and Alcohol, Garrison Keillor on AAAS Anniversary

Science Careers: Webinar on Demand, New Women in Science Booklet, Career Feature: Closeted Discoverers, Events

Announcements: 2011 AAAS Annual Meeting, Global Challenges Series, London Members Event, Investing in Science Conference, New Science Video Portal, David Pearlman Award Winner, Science SPORE Award Winner, S&T Policy Fellows Applications, Atlas of Science Literacy Workshop, CFC Campaign, President's Circle

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Message to Members

Advancing Women in Science, Nationally and Internationally

Dear Colleagues,

The talent and expertise of women scientists is critical in creating the strong workforce necessary to advance global innovation and prosperity. AAAS President Alice S. Huang underscored this in her recent address to members of the AAAS Caribbean Division. She said, "Your work needs to continue to focus on attracting the best and the brightest, no matter what... It is important that we use all the brainpower that we can muster in order to maximize the contribution to science, to development, and to progress."

AAAS's commitment to supporting a diverse STEM workforce and improving science education encompasses both national and international initiatives and programs.

On the national front, an independent survey conducted by AAAS and Science at the request of L'Oréal USA recently confirmed that, despite progress during the past few decades, U.S. women continue to face obstacles to moving ahead in scientific careers. A panel of experts discussed the survey results on Capitol Hill, noting that while more women than men earn doctoral degrees in the sciences, they are less likely to enter and remain in scientific careers. Appropriately crafted legislation, as well as employer accommodations for scientists who are juggling work and family responsibilities were among suggested solutions.

Emphasizing the worldwide challenge to promoting the involvement of women in science, AAAS hosted a recent regional meeting of the International Network of Women Scientists and Engineers (INWES). Speakers detailed the increased support of national and international agencies to advance education and careers for women in their home countries to encourage global economic growth and innovation. Within the AAAS International Office, the Women's International Science program is working to enhance the role of women in science, technology, and engineering, and to improve collaborations among women in the Middle East and North Africa with similar networks in the United States. AAAS also administered the Women's International Scientific Cooperation (WISC) project, which provided travel support for U.S. scientists visiting research partners in 63 countries across the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Europe.

Beginning with primary school, AAAS Education and Human Resources programs contribute to improved science education for all students with special initiatives for women, students with disabilities, and underrepresented minorities. Continuing to foster scientific careers, the AAAS Center for Advancing Science and Engineering Capacity assists institutions of higher learning in overcoming under-representation in the demographics of their student populations.

The support of our members is vital in achieving a strong and inclusive scientific community worldwide. Thank you.

Sincerely,


Alan I. Leshner, CEO, AAAS


P.S. US government employees can support AAAS through the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC), now through 15 December. AAAS's CFC number is 10134. For details, please see Announcements.

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News to Note

Visit AAAS at USA Science & Engineering Festival events in Washington, D.C., October 23 and 24
Hundreds of free family-friendly events across the United States are presenting science festivals, science-oriented group discussions, and museum functions from 11 to 24 October as part of the first-ever USA Science & Engineering Festival. A founding partner and co-organizer for the festival, AAAS is hosting activities during a special expo on the National Mall Saturday and Sunday, 23 and 24 October. More than 1,500 events include AAAS's "The Science Inside You" booth, focusing on the balance between caloric intake and exercise. AAAS also will host its popular "Meet the Scientists!" stage show both days from 12:30 to 3 pm, with experts from a wide range of fields making presentations and answering questions. Read more and access the full schedule of festival events.

AAAS President Urges Universities to Build a Culture of Diversity
Speaking at the AAAS Caribbean Division's 25th anniversary celebration, Alice S. Huang urged universities to work systematically to make the campus climate more supportive of women and minorities. Huang acknowledged success in bringing more women into science and engineering since she entered the field as a virologist and educator, while also citing a study showing that most Ph.D.s earned by women are concentrated in the humanities, education, and the social sciences, with only 28 percent of their Ph.D.s in physical sciences and 20 percent in engineering. Huang gave several examples of successful reforms. Read more.

National Survey Confirms Continuing Obstacles for U.S. Women in Science
A critical need to make better use of the talent represented by women was emphasized during a 23 September panel discussion on Capitol Hill, held to review the results of an independent survey requested by L'Oréal USA and conducted by AAAS and Science. The survey included 1,300 female and male scientists who hold doctoral degrees and are AAAS members. Questions focused on barriers, gender differences in their effects, and solutions to obstacles. Panelists from AAAS, Congress, the U.S. Department of Education, and academia made recommendations including legislation to promote gender parity among university faculty, employer accommodations, finding mentors, and negotiating pay. Read more and access the full report.

Meeting Hosted by AAAS Details Growing Global Support for Women Scientists
Speakers from the U.S. State Department, the World Bank, the L'Oréal Corporate Foundation, and AAAS Education and Human Resources programs convened at a regional meeting of the International Network of Women Engineers and Scientists (INWES). They noted that to stimulate global development and diplomacy, national and international government agencies and non-governmental organizations are increasing programs that support women scientists and engineers worldwide, and detailed initiatives and strategies, including public-private sector funding opportunities. Read more about INWES, which represents women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics from more than 60 countries.

Statement Released on Global Consensus on Research Integrity
A succinct one-page statement drafted during the 2nd World Conference on Research Integrity held in Singapore and co-sponsored by AAAS was released 22 September. The Singapore Statement on Research Integrity concludes that, despite different cultural and national standards, "there are also principles and professional responsibilities that are fundamental to the integrity of research wherever it is undertaken." The statement lists 16 responsibilities for researchers and institutions, also noting four principles that underlie these responsibilities: honesty, accountability, professional courtesy and fairness, and good stewardship on behalf of others. This initiative complements a broader commitment by AAAS to support the international integration of scientific values as the globalization of research progresses. Read more and access the full statement.

AAAS Tells Congress Better Tools are Needed to Assess Impact of Science
The director of Science and Policy Programs at AAAS, Albert H. Teich, stressed that, while federal investment in scientific research is crucial for U.S. prosperity and innovation, policy research specialists lack rigorous tools and methods to fully assess the impacts of such investment. Teich joined other policy experts at a 23 September hearing by the House Subcommittee on Research and Science Education to discuss a program of the U.S. National Science Foundation to find better ways to understand and measure the impact of the billions spent each year on federal R&D. Read more about the program, The Science of Science and Innovation Policy, or SciSIP, and access written testimony and a webcast of the hearing.

AAAS S&T Policy Fellows Complete Orientation
The 2010–11 class of 210 Fellows, the largest in the history of the program, completed a two-week orientation prior to beginning their work in Congressional offices and government agencies. A sampling of presentations follows.

AAAS Report to Congress Reviews Innovation in Undergraduate STEM Education
"New Challenges, New Strategies" is the latest AAAS report to Congress on the National Science Foundation's TUES program -- Transforming Undergraduate Education in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. AAAS highlighted 17 projects nationwide that represent cutting-edge creativity, fulfilling the goal of the program to fund new "transformative" approaches to teaching that are effective and "transportable." The program has a progressive funding system that can help carry a project from testing at a single institution to nationwide dissemination. The NSF initiatives range from partnering undergrad students with local organizations to develop school software to a lab that teaches the building of computer security systems by including how to hack into them. Read more and access the full AAAS report.

Illinois Biology Teacher Wins AAAS Education Award
Developing a unique teaching module using genetics, Jason Crean and his high school biology students apply actual scientific data to lessons such as determining the paternity of a dolphin calf based on DNA sequences. For his work on the XY-ZOO module and his inclusion of real science and scientists in the classroom, Crean has won the 2010 AAAS Leadership in Science Education Prize for High School Teachers. The award recognizes significant contributions to the AAAS goal of advancing science education with an innovative and demonstrably effective strategy, activity, or program. All of the module lessons, developed with geneticist Jean Dubach, are freely available. Read more and access the module.

AAAS Releases Guide for Parents in Talking to Kids About Alcohol
"Delaying That First Drink: A Parents' Guide," produced by the AAAS Science Inside Alcohol Project, presents science as a powerful tool in persuading middle-school children not to drink alcohol. In the new book, studies are cited that show adolescents who start drinking before age 15 are five times more likely to have alcohol-related problems later in life. The guide works to build awareness among adults who interact with kids concerning the effect alcohol can have on brain development and the impact on the digestive system, central nervous system, and vital organs. Read more and access the complete book and a companion series of lessons on the Science NetLinks site, or request a printed copy.

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Science Careers

Science Careers, published by AAAS, offers many resources to help you advance your career. Whether you're seeking a new job, advice on career advancement in your chosen field, or ways to stay current on industry trends, you'll find helpful tools on the site -- all for free. Thousands of searchable jobs from academia, industry, and government are available as well as job alert e-mails, career advice, a resume/CV Database, webinars, and more. Visit ScienceCareers.org today.

Check out the latest resources from Science Careers:

Webinar: Now Available On Demand
Facts and Fiction: Careers in Industry and Academia
Trying to figure out the next step in your career? Do industry and academic careers require different skill sets? How can you best prepare for either career option? Do industry jobs have better compensation? Less autonomy? Do academic scientists have less work/life balance? Are there enough academic job openings for everyone who wants one? Get some nuts and bolts advice on how to research career options, what questions to ask, and how to best prepare for various careers. View now.

New Women in Science Booklet: Biology Research
Science and the L'Oréal Foundation have teamed up once again to bring you the latest Women in Science booklet focusing on 16 women in five different areas of biology research. The essays about these scientists give you an idea of the differences and similarities between their jobs as well as some insight into their personal triumphs and struggles as they have built successful and meaningful careers. The interviews span the career spectrum from new scientists to more established researchers who have experienced the many ups and downs of a life in biology research.
We hope that you enjoy their stories and take inspiration from their personal tales. Visit Sciencecareers.org/LOrealWIS [image small_Loreal-Cver-lres.jpg]

Latest Career Feature: Diversity - Closeted Discoverers: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Scientists
Think "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" applies only to the military? This too happens in the sciences, at all levels, from academia and industry to professional societies. Read more.
Sponsored by Life Technologies

Attend Upcoming Events:

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Member Benefit

Introducing the FREE Mobile App from Science

Our new app lets you:
• Read summaries and abstracts from Science, Science Translational Medicine, and Science Signaling.
• Store content for reading without wi-fi access.
• Bookmark and e-mail yourself links to full text.
• Get the latest news at ScienceNOW.
• Search job openings and tap other resources at Science Careers.
• Access the Science weekly podcast and other multimedia.
• Available for the iPhone and iPod Touch. Support for Android and more coming soon.

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Announcements

Exhibits and Sponsorships
Reserve booth space now. Review the complete exhibitor and sponsor prospectus. For special sponsor packages, contact Jill Perla (jperla@aaas.org, 202-326-6736) for pricing.


Registration Open: 2011 AAAS Annual Meeting, 17–21 February, Washington, D.C.
Theme: "Science Without Borders"
The meeting is a platform for the most current thinking and research findings in science, technology, and policy. The program crosses conventional disciplinary borders. It features strong presentations from leading experts and a rare opportunity to meet and speak with eminent scientists who share your interests and passion for science. Advance registration with a special discounted rate and hotel reservations are now open. More information.

Science & Society: Global Challenges Discussion Series Features Conversations with Leading Experts
A series of candid conversations with leading scientists, economists, and politicians will be hosted by award-winning NPR reporters Richard Harris, Jon Hamilton and David Kestenbaum on alternate Monday evenings in the AAAS Auditorium in Washington, D.C. A reception at 5:00 pm precedes the 6:00 to 7:30 pm discussions, sponsored by AAAS, The American Chemical Society, and Georgetown University.
18 October Challenge: Enhancing Nuclear Security
1 November Challenge: Coming to the Table on Food Safety (Bisphenol A and Beyond)
15 November Challenge: Climate and Energy Policy in the New Congress
RSVP for each discussion separately.

Radio Icon Garrison Keillor Recognizes the Foundation of AAAS
On 20 September, the 162nd anniversary of AAAS, Garrison Keillor paid tribute to its founding on "Writer's Almanac," his popular radio program. "It was on a day in 1848 that the American Association for the Advancement of Science was formed in Philadelphia...its stated purpose was to ‘procure for the labors of scientific men, increased facilities and a wider usefulness.'" Two years later, astronomer Maria Mitchell was the first woman selected to be a member. AAAS "kept an emphasis on being inclusive, reaching out to anyone interested in science," Keillor said. Read more and access an online archive of AAAS history.

AAAS/Science Event for Members: 17 November, London, United Kingdom
Biodiversity - Nature's Glass; Half-Full or Half-Empty?
6.30–8.30 pm, Charles Darwin House
The biodiversity lecture by Professor Andrew Balmford (Cambridge University) will be followed by a drinks and canapé reception. Spaces are limited. Please confirm your attendance by email to events@members-aaas.org, detailing your full name.

Investing in Science: Securing Future Prosperity, 23–24 November, London, United Kingdom
What is the relevance and role of science in the 21st century?
Join an international conference of leading industrialists, policymakers, economists and scientists to examine the critical importance of science in tackling global challenges and rebalancing economy, to be held at Chatham House. Read more.

Science Launches New Video Portal
An evolving supernova, musical robots, and tool-making crows are among the featured clips in Science's Video Portal -- a new entry point for exploring the journal's multimedia content. Within the Portal, a VideoLab features contributions by authors of Science papers, while a collection of Science Originals showcases video content produced by the staff at Science. Clips can be browsed by subject category, and a list of featured videos is updated weekly. Explore the Video Portal. [Image http://videolab.sciencemag.org/img/science-video-portal-th66.jpg]

Science Correspondent in India Receives David Perlman Award
The David Perlman Award for Excellence in Science Journalism, bestowed by the American Geophysical Union, will honor Science's long-time correspondent in India. Pallava Bagla wrote two articles exploring dissent among glaciologists regarding the claim that Himalayan glaciers would disappear by 2035, put forth by the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The first article was published 13 November 2009 in Science. The second was published 5 December 2009 by BBC News. The award is named in honor of the veteran science journalist David Perlman, who in his 90s is still serving as science editor for the San Francisco Chronicle. Read more.

Immunology Web Site Wins Science SPORE Award
The website Immunopaedia is giving doctors in South Africa efficient access to up-to-date research on treatment of HIV through case studies and news of breakthroughs. Developed by immunologist Clive Gray of the University of Johannesburg, the site was selected to receive the Science Prize for Online Resources in Education (SPORE) because of its effectiveness at meeting an urgent need and presenting immunology in an easy-to-use format. An article about Immunopaedia was published in the 24 September issue of Science. Read more and access the prize-winning site.

Apply for the AAAS S&T Policy Fellows 2011–2012 Class: Deadline 5 December
For more information about the program and how to apply (online only), go to www.fellowships.aaas.org.

Sign Up for Final 2010 Atlas of Science Literacy Workshop
Hampton, Connecticut, USA, 1–3 December. Read more.

U.S. Federal Workers Can Support AAAS through the CFC
U.S. government employees can select AAAS on the Combined Federal Campaign's national/international list, supporting innovations in science, engineering, and technology to serve society around the world. Your donation through CFC helps to enhance science education, infuse policy issues like climate change with sound science, ensure national security, improve international relations, promote scientific integrity, and much more. The contribution period is 1 September to 15 December.
AAAS's CFC number is 10134.

Join the AAAS President's Circle
AAAS's undertaking to advance science in the service of society is an enormous one, especially now as we are increasingly called upon by the administration and Congress, the science community, and the public to speak up for science on a host of global issues. You can help to ensure that the voice of science -- your voice -- is heard by becoming a part of the President's Circle today with a philanthropic contribution of $500 or more. You will receive updates about our activities and invitations to AAAS events. Visit us online or call +1-202-326-6636 for more information.

 

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More About AAAS

AAAS News & Notes appears in Science in the last issue of each month.
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